A vintage of exceptional poise and elegance, born of near-perfect conditions
March 19, 2026 – Gusbourne, one of England’s most acclaimed sparkling wine producers, today announces the release of its Rosé 2020, a wine that is open and generous and which has spent an extended amount of time on the lees.
The 2020 growing season was one of quiet confidence. Mild spring temperatures coaxed budburst at the start of April, and steady warmth carried the vines through a favourable early season before flowering began in early June. With flowering complete by the end of June, the estate was well-positioned for a mid to late September harvest. Dry conditions during ripening, paired with ideal temperatures, allowed for a near-perfect accumulation of sugars and the gradual development of Gusbourne’s characteristically complex flavour profiles. Picking commenced at the end of September, concluding in early October.
The resulting wine is a study in contrasts: vibrant yet poised, fruit-driven yet defined by an elegant mineral thread.
Head Winemaker, Mary Bridges, says: “The character of Rosé 2020 is shaped by the warmth and generosity of the growing season. Compared with 2019, on release, the 2020 vintage is notably more open. It’s immediately generous and full and powerful. Yet despite the ripeness of the fruit, the wine retains the brightness that defines English sparkling wine.”
“There’s still a nice vibrancy,” adds Mary. “There’s finesse and elegance alongside the generosity. The final composition reflects that balance between energy and depth. With 59% Chardonnay – a relatively high proportion compared with 2019 – the wine carries freshness and tension. When you have more intensity coming from some of the Pinot components, it’s nice to temper that with something a bit more vibrant from the Chardonnay so that you’re not getting this overly red-fruited and floral, blousy rosé.”
Craftsmanship from Vine to Bottle
The Rosé 2020 is crafted from a blend of 59% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir and 12% Pinot Meunier, sourced entirely from Gusbourne’s own south-facing vineyards on ancient escarpments in Appledore, Kent and near Goodwood in West Sussex. The estate’s proximity to the English Channel imparts a warm, dry microclimate tempered by moderating coastal breezes – conditions ideally suited to the patient cultivation of English sparkling wine.
Parcels were whole-bunch pressed and fermented over 7-10 days in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with 11% of the blend fermented and aged in French oak barrels to add depth and textural complexity.
Bottled in June 2021, the wine has rested on its lees for a minimum of 56 months before release – a commitment to unhurried maturation that is central to the Gusbourne philosophy.
A Commitment to the Land
Gusbourne continues to incorporate regenerative farming practices across its estate, with soil health monitored through organic matter, soil structure and biodiversity indicators. The estate’s clay and sandy loam soils, cultivated using the double guyot pruning method, and hand-harvested grapes reflect a deep commitment to producing wines that speak authentically of their place.
At the Table
With its combination of freshness, texture and fruit, the Twenty Twenty Brut Rosé is a versatile companion at the table. It finds a natural partner alongside richer fish dishes – grilled prawns in a butter sauce, for instance – as well as lighter meats and game. Pork belly with caramelised apples makes for an especially compelling match. For those with a sweeter finish in mind, the wine’s fruit-forward character pairs beautifully with Eton Mess.
Technical Details
Grape Variety: 59% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir, 12% Pinot Meunier
Alcohol: 12% ABV
Residual Sugar: 8 g/l
Titratable Acidity: 8.1 g/l
pH: 2.95
Bottling Date: June 2021
Lees Ageing: 56 months
Harvest: Hand-picked, September to October 2020
Vineyards: Appledore, Kent and near Goodwood, West Sussex
Gusbourne Brut Rosé 2020 will available from 20th April 2026 via www.gusbourne.com priced £55 per single bottle. Member price £45.
For further information, please contact Vicky Major at Major PR on vicky@majorpr.co.uk or 07506750318.
About Gusbourne
Gusbourne planted its first vines in 2004 with a single-minded vision: to craft the world’s finest sparkling wines. Today – two decades on – they are still driven by that same ambition.
The team at Gusbourne work in a way which embraces tradition but challenges convention. The focus is always on the detail – the incremental gains – which allow them to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in English wine, one vintage at a time.
The quality of fruit is essential: Gusbourne farm and hand-harvest all its own grapes. This means they have total control over the quality in the vineyard; they only pick when the fruit is perfectly ripe. Around half of their vines are Burgundian clones. These yield smaller quantities of ripe, flavourful grapes which are ideal for both still and sparkling wines.
All Gusbourne’s wines are vintage-only, which means they’re made using the fruit from a single growing season. Each wine tells a story of a year’s growing conditions, capturing a moment in time. They cellar age the wines for as long as they need, releasing them only when they are ready.
The award-winning tasting room and cellar door, The Nest, is open year-round, welcoming impromptu guests for self-guided tours and tasting flights. Gusbourne also hosts a range of ticketed events, such as expert-led masterclasses, tutored tastings and dining experiences.
Gusbourne supplies leading restaurants in the UK, such as Ynyshir, L’Enclume, Moor Hall, Restaurant Story, CORE by Clare Smyth and the Hand & Flowers. They have exclusive sparkling wine listings at Whatley Manor, The Lanesborough, Claridges and The Corinthia Hotels, as well as prestigious listings at Grosvenor House, Boringdon Hall, The Athenaeum, Torridon, Grove of Narbeth and Northcote.
Gusbourne is the official English Sparkling Wine supplier of Cowdray Estate, in West Sussex, and their wines can be enjoyed onboard the Belmond British Pullman, Cunard cruise ships and in Japanese Airlines First Class lounges.
The wines are also available from retailers including Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, as well as many independent, specialist wine merchants, including Berry Bros. & Rudd and Hedonism. The wines are also exported to over 37 countries around the world.
